Method and system for identifying conflicts in a floor joist to floor joust horizontal interface

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method for accessing a model of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floor joists are identified by a set of members, the type of members, and the member properties; isolating a plurality of the floor joists, wherein the floor joists interface with another floor joists in a horizontal type interface; selecting members of the floor joists involved in the interface, wherein the interface is identified as a connection between the floor joists; detecting the member type and the interface type; calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values and determining the delta of the actual values and the required values; and identifying each interface where the delta is outside a predetermined range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/677,639 filedNov. 7, 2019 currently pending. The disclosure of the prior applicationsis considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) thedisclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to building construction and inparticular, to the method, computer program, or computer system forproviding the quality control of the material for the buildingconstruction and determining conflicts within the building construction.

A typical building or structure is comprised of having differentcomponents like foundation, walls, joists, trusses, sheathings, and manyother components. When these components are connect with each other in aproper form, the structure or building is constructed correctly. Eachindividual component is used to form a larger assembly or floor joist.If each component is not the correct specification or dimensions then itleads to conflicts in the assembly process. This results in lost oftime, wasted material, and an increase in cost. For example, whenconstructing floor joists , conflicts between the members of the floorjoists can occur in overlapping of the members, wrong placing of dimpleslocations, insufficient overlap length, and overlap width. Checking eachindividual member and floor joist is very time consuming and criticaltask for the engineer.

During the building construction, the connections and placing of eachfloor joist is important for a hassle and conflict free construction.The floor joist relative to the other floor joists assists in creating abuilding that is properly constructed. The assembly of the floor joistsis important to avoid any issues with the building down the road and tokeep the occupants safe from the elements. Traditional method ofreviewing the constructability checks for each individual floor joistmember manually in the detailing software is time consuming and chancesof error are more.

Therefore, it is beneficial to assist each of the floor joistshorizontal interface at the earliest stage to determine where issuesexist and preemptively correcting these issues before constructionbegins.

SUMMARY

The present invention in a first embodiment is a method for accessing amodel of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are identified by a set of members, the type of members, and themember properties; isolating a plurality of the floor joists, whereinthe floor joists interface with another floor joists in a horizontaltype interface; selecting members of the floor joists involved in theinterface, wherein the interface is identified as a connection betweenthe floor joists; detecting the member type and the interface type;calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type;comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values anddetermining the delta of the actual values and the required values; andidentifying each interface where the delta is outside a predeterminedrange.

The present invention in a second embodiment is a program product foraccessing a model of a building; selecting a set of floor joists,wherein the floor joists are identified by a set of members, the type ofmembers, and the member properties; isolating a plurality of the floorjoists, wherein the floor joists interface with another floor joists ina horizontal type interface; selecting members of the floor joistsinvolved in the interface, wherein the interface is identified as aconnection between the floor joists; detecting the member type and theinterface type; calculating a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set ofrequired values and determining the delta of the actual values and therequired values; and identifying each interface where the delta isoutside a predetermined range.

The present invention in a third embodiment is a system for accessing amodel of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are identified by a set of members, the type of members, and themember properties; isolating a plurality of the floor joists, whereinthe floor joists interface with another floor joists in a horizontaltype interface; selecting members of the floor joists involved in theinterface, wherein the interface is identified as a connection betweenthe floor joists; detecting the member type and the interface type;calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type;comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values anddetermining the delta of the actual values and the required values; andidentifying each interface where the delta is outside a predeterminedrange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram depicting a computing environment, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram depicting the internal and externalcomponents of the server and computing device of FIG. 1 , in accordancewith one embodiment of the present.

FIG. 3 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a method fordetermining the conflict checks for the floor joist interfaces withinthe computing environment of FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an architectural illustration of a front view of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an architectural illustration of a profile view of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depict an architectural illustration of a finished floor layoutfor a structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts a model of a frame of a structure, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a model of a floor joist assembly, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a model of a wall panel corner intersection, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to the process of analyzing abuilding to identify conflicts or design errors, and correcting theerrors at the design stage so the construction can be completed withminimal or no issues. Through the location of the floor joists and theinteraction between the floor joists interfaces to determine if theyhave the correct properties and if they are outside of the tolerancevalues, correcting the errors with the floor joists.

The present invention uses the unique feature of analyzing the floorjoists and the interaction between the floor joists in the verticalinterface and determining if there are any inter-assembly conflicts.This includes the vertical interfaces between the floor joists, thehorizontal interfaces between the floor joists, and the interfacebetween the structural floor joists and the truss system. In instanceswhere conflicts are identified the floor joist member(s) and/orassemblies are added to a sick list, which identifies the type ofconflict. The unique feature saves the time of review the buildingmanually and eliminate the chance of error with the constructionprocess.

In the typical construction process a model of the building (e.g.structure, home, office building, hospital, garage, barn, apartmentbuilding, etc.) is created. This model is comprised of all the memberswhich form the frame of the building. The members form assemblies (e.g.panels, joists, trusses, etc.) which them form the walls, floors, androof. The next step is to generate the manufacturing files for the rollforming machine to produce these members to the design specifications.However, the generation of these manufacturing files is not advised orable to be completed until a verification of possible conflicts of thefloor joist systems is completed.

Otherwise the potential for cold formed steel members to be manufacturedwithout the proper measurements, cutouts or designs elements. This willrequire the remanufacturing of the members, or manual modification ofthe parts need to be completed on the job site. Both of these take timeand additional resources to complete. The reviewing of the model fromconstructability aspect and identify the possible conflicts is a timeconsuming task before the floor joist members are manufactured. If theuser is able to quickly identify the conflicts in the model, the entireprocess of constructing the building can be shortened.

The reviewing of the 3D model from constructability aspect and identifythe possible conflicts in the floor joists is one of the major timeconsuming task. If the user is able to quickly check and identify thepossible conflicts, they can increase the speed of manufacturing, andhaving a program that highlights these conflicts only further increasesthe speed at which the project can be completed.

The present invention provides for an advantage of allowing the reviewof the drawings or models by providing a unique process of identifyinginternal and external conflicts with the floor joist members. Theindividual members of the floor joist which are conflicting areidentified and marked for the reviewer to easily identify and correctthe conflicts. The conflicts can be identified during the process ofbuilding detailing by using the present inventions conflict check methodand system.

The term “conflict” is used for any incidence which results in themember or the interaction between members to be outside of apredetermined tolerance of acceptable values. This can be based onstate, federal or local building codes, manufacturing machinelimitations, or inconsistencies or inaccuracies with the model ordrawings. For example, if a member is not at the required position, notwithin the required specifications, not adhering to predetermined codes,or the like a conflict may be present. Required position means theGlobal position of the member in reference to the modeling software x,y, and z, axes. In another embodiment, the properties of the member maybe impossible to manufacture based on the cold formed steel constructiontolling operation limitations

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, fire joists, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry outcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host fire joists).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a computing environment 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 providesan illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitationsregarding the environment in which different embodiments maybeimplemented.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment 100 includes network102, computing device 104, and server 106. Computing environment 100 mayinclude additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

Network 102 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination ofconnections and protocols that can support communications betweencomputing device 104 and server 106 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections.

Computing device 104 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In otherembodiments, computing device 104 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating withpatient computing device 104 via network 102. In other embodiments,computing device 104 may be a server computing system utilizing multiplecomputers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment.In one embodiment, computing device 104 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. Computing device 104 may include components, asdepicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 1 .

Server 106 may be a management server, a web server, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of processing programinstructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server106 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmableelectronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In oneembodiment, server 106 may be a server computing system utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computingenvironment. In one embodiment, server 106 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. In the depicted embodiment conflict identificationprogram 108 and database 110 are located on server 106. Server 106 mayinclude components, as depicted and described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 1 .

Conflict Identification program 108 has the unique feature of3-Directional constructability conflict check in which the floor joistsinterfaces are analyzed and assessed to determine if any conflicts existbetween the floor joists. The floor joists which conflict with the floorjoists due to placement, position, overlapping, and the like are addedto a list (“sick list”) which identifies all of the conflictingassemblies and where the conflicts are. The conflicts can be assemblieswhich are not properly installed due to other material, components, ormembers which either interfere with one another or are not within theproper code requirements. The sick list shows the condition under whichthe assemblies are conflicting in constructability conflict check, sopersonnel can easily make the necessary modifications to correct theconflicts and produce a model of the building without any conflicts.

In the depicted embodiment, Conflict identification program 108 utilizesnetwork 102 to access the computing device 104 and to communicate withdatabase 110. In one embodiment, Conflict identification program 108resides on computing device 104. In other embodiments, Conflictidentification program 108 may be located on another server or computingdevice, provided Conflict identification program 108 has access todatabase 110.

Database 110 may be a repository that may be written to and/or read byConflict identification program 108. Information gathered from computingdevice 104 and the 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensionaldrawings and models as well as the requirements so that the materialsand members are identified as conflicting or non-conflicting. In oneembodiment, database 110 is a database management system (DBMS) used toallow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration ofa database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database 110 resides oncomputing device 104. In other embodiments, database 110 resides onanother server, or another computing device, provided that database 110is accessible to Conflict identification program 108.

FIG. 2 , a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown.Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable cloudcomputing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention describedherein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable of beingimplemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

FIG. 2 , computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10 is shownin the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components ofcomputer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18that couples various system components including system memory 28 toprocessor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, and external disk drivearrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems,etc.

FIG. 3 , illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. Asshown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or more cloudcomputing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used by cloudconsumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) orcellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C maycommunicate. Nodes 10 may communicate with one another. They may begrouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks,such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as describedhereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computingenvironment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software asservices for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resourceson a local computing device. It is understood that the types ofcomputing devices 54A-C shown in FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrativeonly and that computing nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 cancommunicate with any type of computerized device over any type ofnetwork and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a webbrowser).

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the Program/utility 40 may include one ormore program modules 42 that generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.Specifically, the program modules 42 may analyze a building model,locate the floor joists determine the interaction between the floorjoists, determine if a conflict exists, and identify the member(s)involved in the conflict and provide a potential solution to theconflict. Other functionalities of the program modules 42 are describedfurther herein such that the program modules 42 are not limited to thefunctions described above. Moreover, it is noted that some of themodules 42 can be implemented within the infrastructure shown in FIGS.1-3 .

FIG. 4 depicts flowchart 400 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

In step 402, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the modelto identify the floor joist members. Based on the received model orimage type, the conflict identification program 108 extracts the floorjoist members from the other members and systems. In some embodimentswhere the model has all the members individually generated, the conflictprogram 108 is able to easily extract the floor joist members. Eitherfrom identifying the members first or identifying the floor joistassembly and then identifying the members within the floor joist. Ininstances where the model does not have each individual member created,the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the model or images tofirst determine which surfaces are floors versus walls or roofs. Theconflict identification program 108 then identifies the apertures of thefloor joists and generates a floor joist assembly comprised of membersto provide for the required frame to create the model.

In step 404, the conflict identification program 108 identifies thefloor joist and floor joist members and analyzes the internal propertiesof the floor joist and floor joist members. Once the conflictidentification program 108 has identified the floor joists, the conflictidentification program 108 is able to identify the floor joist and floorjoist members individually so that the conflict identification program108 is able to extract the necessary information related to each floorjoist and floor joist member. In some embodiments, the conflictidentification program 108 identifies the position of the floor joistand floor joist members relative to each other. For example, to makesure all horizontal members are substantially parallel and that thehorizontal members are substantially perpendicular to the verticalmembers.

The conflict identification program 108 determines the actual values forthe floor joist and floor joist members features. The features of thefloor joist and floor joist member; length, height, width, thickness ofmaterial, orientation, position, cutouts, apertures, lips, flanges,Swedge, and the like. For example, the floor joist and floor joistmembers position relative to the x, y, and x axes. In some embodiments,the limitation of the shipping vehicles sets a maximum length of thefloor joist and floor joist members. In some embodiments, thelimitations of the manufacturing machines are used to set the requiredvalues. For example, the thickness of the material is a limitation onthe floor joist and floor joist members.

In decision 406, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifthe floor joist and floor joist members have any internal conflicts(e.g. if the actual values of the member properties are within the rangeof the required values). The measured actual values are compared to therequired values. This comparison assists in confirming that the floorjoist and floor joist members are of the proper dimensions and have thefeatures in the proper locations so that when the floor joist and floorjoist is assembled the members line up, the features of the members arein the proper location, and the floor joist is assembled correctly. Ifthe conflict identification program 108 determines that an actual valueof any properties of the floor joist and floor joist members are outsidethe predetermined tolerance range of the property, the conflictidentification program 108 creates the sick list and adds the identifiedmember to the sick list.

In step 408, the conflict identification program 108 creates the sicklist of the floor joist and floor joist members which have issues. Thislist may be the identification of the members within the model ashighlighted or identified from the other members. In some embodiments,the sick list is a list showing the actual values, the required values,and the differences between these two values (delta) and highlight themember data to alert a user.

In step 410, the conflict identification program 108 modifies theconflicting floor joist and floor joist members. Through either anautomated process or the selection of a user, the conflictidentification program 108 is able to modify the conflicting floor joistand floor joist members to fall within the tolerance range set for eachproperty value which is conflicting. In some embodiments, this mayrequire performing additional modifications to the floor joist and floorjoist members if the modification results in other features of the floorjoist and floor joist members becoming problematic and conflicting withthe required values. For example, if a floor joist and floor joistmembers is shortened and thus moving the position of an aperture, theaperture position may be adjusted to accommodate the shortening of thefloor joist and floor joist member.

In step 412, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floorjoist and floor joist members relative to the assembled floor joists.The conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floor joist membersinternal interaction within each assembly. This may include members areoverlapping, incorrect placement of fastening positions, incorrectmember direction or orientation at connections, incorrect gaps orspacing between floor joists uneven height or width, are a few examplesof potential internal conflicts.

In decision 414, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifany of the members have external conflicts. The conflicts are based onthe interaction between members of the floor joists. Based on the knownrequirements for the ideal interaction and a calculated value for theactual interaction between the members the conflict identificationprogram 108 is able to determine if a conflict exists. If a conflictdoes exist, the conflict identification program 108 creates a sick listof the external conflicts. If a conflict does not exist, the conflictidentification program 108 completes the analysis.

In step 416, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floorjoist assemblies relative to the other floor joist assemblies which havean interface. The interfaces may be between interior floor joists,exterior floor joists, or both. The interfaces may be end to end or mayinterface in a “T-junction” style interface. The interface is analyzedto determine if there are an issues or improper measurements, material,positioning, features, insufficient gap between floor joists, or otherconflicts which would result in a problem at the time of assembly.

The conflict identification program 108 program analyzes the interfacebetween the floor joists to make sure that the proper gap between thefloor joists is correct, that the position of the floor joists arecorrect and if there is any offsetting it is within tolerance, thefastening locations of the floor joists line up, and the other types ofinterfaces which two or more floor joists are likely to experience. Theconflict identification program 108 performs a calculation related toall interfacing features between the floor joists to calculate actualvalues related to all the properties of the floor joists which are partof the interfacing to compare the actual value with a required value.

One analyzed interface is the gap between the two surfaces of the floorjoists at the interface. Another analyzed interface is the overlap ofthe floor joists at the interface. For example, at a corner, thereshould be a substantially ninety (90) degree corner formed. This istypical with an exterior floor joist corner. Another example of theoverhang for an interior floor joist where a T-junction is formed andthe desired distance from one end of the floor joist the T-junctionoccurs. Another analyzed interface is based on the number of fastenersto secure two floor joists together and the necessary overlappingsurface area (bearing area) needed. This is prevalent with a T-junctionand the only overlap is between the top member and the vertical memberand the bottom member and the vertical member.

In decision 418, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifany of the floor joists and the interfacing floor joists have conflictsby calculating the delta between the actual values analyzed and a set ofrequired values. The conflicts are based on the interfacing between thefloor joist and if the actual values are within a tolerance of therequired value. Through the calculation of the required value and theactual value a delta (difference) is calculated. Based on the knownrequirements for the ideal interaction and a calculated value for theactual interaction between the members the conflict identificationprogram 108 is able to determine if a conflict exists. The requiredminimum tolerance of each floor joist interface is determined as per thestandard construction tolerances. The actual tolerance of each coldformed steel floor joist is determined from the model. If the requiredminimum tolerance and actual tolerance are same, then there is noconflict and if the required tolerance and actual tolerance are notsame, then there is conflict. If a conflict does exist, the conflictidentification program 108 creates a sick list of the externalconflicts. If a conflict does not exist, the conflict identificationprogram 108 completes the analysis.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 depict various architectural illustration of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The conflict identification program 108 may be provided these types ofillustrations and analyses them to determine which features of thestructure are the floor joists. This determination is based on theposition of the elements, the identified shape of the elements, themembers (and orientation of the members) of the elements, and the likewhich would distinguish the floor joists from the other elements of thebuilding. In FIG. 5 , the floor joist location 502 and all the apertures(e.g. doors and windows) is clearly shown on the top of the building. InFIG. 6 , the floor joist location 602 is clearing shown along with thefinishings. In FIG. 7 a dotted line 702 showing the walls. This includesboth internal and external walls. Through the analysis of the buildingdesign, the conflict identification program 108 is able to establish aset of limits and requirements which the floor joists and the floorjoist members must adhere to. These illustrations depicted the floorplans to show walls, doors, stairs, windows, rooms, and otherarchitectural features of each floor of the building. Based on theconflict identification program's 108 review of these drawings, theprogram is able to detect the overall dimensions of the floor joists toassist in setting forth the required values and properties to which thefloor joist members are analyzed.

FIG. 8 depicts a model 800 of a frame of a structure, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. This model provides all of theframing members including the walls, floors, and roofs. The conflictidentification program 108 is able to take either the illustrations ormodel(s) and perform the analysis identified in FIG. 4 , as the programis able to detect which elements are the floor joists (and members). Inthe depicted embodiment, the model depicts the structural framingmembers, with all the connection points for the frame membersdetermined. This model would be analyzed for each structural floor joistmember to determine any conflicts. If a conflict is found, that membermay be highlighted or identified in a different color to allow easyvisual identifies for the user to locate the conflict member.

FIG. 9 depicts a model 900 of a floor joist T-junction, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. In the depictedembodiment, the floor joists 903 and 905 form a T-junction. The conflictidentification program 108 analyzes the actual values of the gap 904between the joists, the perpendicularity of the joists, the alignment ofsurfaces 901 and 902, and various other measurements between the twojoists.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view 1000 of a corner interface, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The cornerinterface has two floor joists 1002 and 1001 that interface 1003 to forma ninety (90) degree corner. There may be a measurement of theoverlapping surface area for the fasteners (bearing area), a gap betweenthe two floor joists, the alignment of the top surfaces of the joists,the perpendicularity of the joists, or the like measured in thissituation.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, fire joists, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication thatthe subject matter described by the term “present invention” is coveredby either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that mayeventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “presentinvention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for whichdisclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, thisunderstanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” istentative and provisional and subject to change over the course ofpatent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as theclaims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedonly for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the formsdisclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparentto practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosureis not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification andclaims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaningsimilar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps butnot the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers orsteps. This definition also applies to variations on the term“comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references(e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are tobe construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devicesbetween network connections of elements. As such, network connectionreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are in directcommunication with each other. In some instances, in methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a methodin a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order ofthe steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the inventionset forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Personsskilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form anddetail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlierdeveloped alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/orsubstantial equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented method comprising:accessing, by at least one processor, a model of a building; selecting,by at least one processor, a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are comprised of a set of members; isolating, by at least oneprocessor, a plurality of the floor joists, wherein the floor joistsinterface with another floor joists in a horizontal type interface;selecting, by at least one processor, members of the floor joistsinvolved in the interface, wherein the interface is identified as aconnection between the floor joists; detecting, by at least oneprocessor, the member type and the interface type; calculating, by atleast one processor, a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing, by at least one processor, the set of actualvalues with a set of required values and determining the delta of theactual values and the required values; and identifying, by at least oneprocessor, each interface where the delta is outside a predeterminedrange.
 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein theinterface type is a bearing area, of the members.
 3. The computerimplemented method of claim 2, wherein the bearing area is calculatedbased on a quantity of fasteners used to secure the members.
 4. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the interface type is acorner interface.
 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising, identifying, by at least one processor, at least onesolution to the delta, and wherein the at least one solution identifiesall alterations which are generated by the at least one solution to themodel.
 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising, detecting, by at least one processor, at least one solutionbased on a restriction of a predetermined member of the interface. 7.The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising,adjusting, by at least one processor, a plurality of members, whereinthe delta is within a predetermined range.
 8. A computer program productcomprising: a computer readable storage device readable by one or moreprocessing circuit and storing instructions for execution by one or moreprocessor for performing a method comprising: accessing a model of abuilding; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floor joistsconsist of a set of members; isolating a plurality of the floor joists,wherein the floor joists interface with another floor joists in ahorizontal type interface; selecting members of the floor joistsinvolved in the interface, wherein the interface is identified as aconnection between the floor joists; detecting the member type and theinterface type; calculating a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set ofrequired values and determining the delta of the actual values and therequired values; and identifying each interface where the delta isoutside a predetermined range.
 9. The computer program product of claim8, wherein the interface type is a bearing area, of the members.
 10. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, wherein the bearing area iscalculated based on a quantity of fasteners used to secure the members.11. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the interface typeis a corner interface.
 12. The computer program product of claim 8,further comprising, identifying at least one solution to the delta, andwherein the at least one solution identifies all alterations which aregenerated by the at least one solution to the model.
 13. The computerprogram product of claim 8, further comprising, detecting at least onesolution based on a restriction of a predetermined member of theinterface.
 14. The computer program product of claim 8, furthercomprising, adjusting a plurality of members, wherein the delta iswithin a predetermined range.
 15. A system comprising: a memory; one ormore processors in communication with the memory; program instructionsexecutable by the one or more processors via the memory to perform amethod, the method comprising: a computer readable storage devicereadable by one or more processing circuit and storing instructions forexecution by one or more processor for performing a method comprising:accessing a model of a building; selecting a set of floor joists,wherein the floor joists are comprised of a set of members; isolating aplurality of the floor joists, wherein the floor joists interface withanother floor joists in a horizontal type interface; selecting membersof the floor joists involved in the interface, wherein the interface isidentified as a connection between the floor joists; detecting themember type and the interface type; calculating a set of actual valuesassociated with the interface type; comparing the set of actual valueswith a set of required values and determining the delta of the actualvalues and the required values; and identifying each interface where thedelta is outside a predetermined range.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the interface type is a bearing area, of the members.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the interface type is a corner interface.